Psoriasis can sometimes affect your scalp, giving rise to dandruff from the flaking skin. Scalp psoriasis is sometimes itchy. And in ...
Psoriasis can sometimes affect your scalp, giving rise to dandruff from the flaking skin. Scalp psoriasis is sometimes itchy.
And in severe cases, hair loss can occur, particularly if the area is scratched a lot, or harsh treatments are used.
Also Read: 7 Ways ToGet Rid Of Psoriasis
Also Read: 7 Ways ToGet Rid Of Psoriasis
However, in the majority of cases hair will regrow in the affected areas. There are following treatments and prevention of "scalp psoriasis" and hair loss.
- Treatments for scalp psoriasis
- Emollients (moisturizers)
- Coal tar shampoos and ointments
- Calcipotriol scalp solution
- Steroid scalp treatment
- Antimicrobials
- Dithranol
- Oral and injected treatments
- Light Treatments
- Prevention and cure of hair loss
Treatments for scalp psoriasis
Emollients (moisturizers)
These can help combat mild cases of scalp psoriasis. There are many commercial moisturizing hair conditioners.
Some people prefer to use coconut oil, which can be left on the hair for hours, then washed out. It’s an "effective moisturizer", but can be rather messy.
Short haircuts are probably best for scalp psoriasis, even if they expose more of the redness. They do allow more sunlight onto affected areas, which helps to combat psoriasis.
Also Read: Cause of psoriasis: What causes psoriasis?
Coal tar shampoos and ointments
These are often used to treat scalp psoriasis. A number of commercial formulations are available, such as Neutrogena T/Gel therapeutic "shampoo" and Capasal shampoo.
Calcipotriol scalp solution
Calcipotriol is an analog of "vitamin D", often used for the treatment of psoriasis. A scalp solution is available for the treatment of mild or moderate scalp psoriasis.
Steroid scalp treatment
Various steroid treatments can be used to treat scalp psoriasis. An example is Betnovate scalp application, which contains the steroid betamethasone).
Dovobet gel is also used on the scalp and contains a mixture of calcipotriol and the steroid betamethasone. Long-term treatment with steroids can cause side-effects, such as skin thinning.
Also Read: Psoriasis In Children: Treatment, Symptoms, And Causes
Also Read: Psoriasis In Children: Treatment, Symptoms, And Causes
Antimicrobials
Although psoriasis is not caused by bacteria or other infective organisms, the broken skin caused by scalp psoriasis can be infected by bacteria or yeast, in which case "antimicrobial treatments" may be needed.
Dithranol
This pharmaceutical compound can be used to treat scalp psoriasis. Psorin scalp gel contains "dithranol" together with salicylic acid.
It’s applied to the scalp, then washed off after a period of time (say 20 minutes, although you should follow your doctor’s recommendation).
Dithranol is usually effective against psoriasis, although some people find it gives a burning sensation.
Dithranol stains clothing, towels, and bedding, so is not always popular with users. It’s best used by those with dark hair, as it can also stain blonde or pale brown hair.
Also Read: What Is Psoriasis? Basic History, Treatment, And Symptoms
Also Read: What Is Psoriasis? Basic History, Treatment, And Symptoms
Oral and injected treatments
If the various shampoos and ointments don’t work, scalp psoriasis may be treated by one of a number of oral treatments. "Methotrexate(trade name Maxtrex) tablets" may be used, or one of the newer injectable biological treatments.
Light Treatments
Affected areas of the scalp can be treated with "UV B light". The hair has to be manually parted or cut back to expose the scalp.
Long-term exposure to UV light can increase the risk of skin cancer, so is best avoided.
Short haircuts are probably best for scalp psoriasis, even if they expose more of the redness. They do allow more sunlight onto affected areas, which helps to combat psoriasis.
Also Read: Cause of psoriasis: What causes psoriasis?
Prevention and cure of hair loss
Hair loss can be a worry if you have scalp psoriasis. It is important to avoid scratching the affected areas, however much they itch.
To limit itching, use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing. Avoid heating the hair with hair dryers, but let it dry naturally.
An ice pack can be used as a short-term measure to relieve itching. If you do begin to "lose hair", don’t panic. It will almost certainly grow back.
Concentrate on treating underlying psoriasis. Ask your doctor for an alternative treatment option if your current one isn’tz working.
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